"Highest levels of care and compassion - end of life care"

I feel it necessary to contact you to pass on my sheer gratitude and thanks to all staff within ward 2F, from domestics (the Jackie’s) to consultants (Dr Spalding, Dr Wan, Dr Mckenzie, Dr Han). Also to Rachel (the Renal specialist nurse) who sited the single needle double pump method to allow my dear friend and loved one to have his dialysis. 

Sadly my dearest friend (whom I cared for laterally at home with my family),  passed away at the beginning of November following an acute admission to 2F (transferred from 5B in an unresponsive state). 

The nurse Lesley on the night shift in 2F, the first night, clearly had a very busy shift, but she took the time to support myself and loved one's family following the news that their condition was extremely poorly and very life threatening. The staff kept us going with tea and toast and we had the use  of the family room facilities. 

Then Colin (staff nurse) was on nights after Lesley and he looked after us so well too. He reassured me on my first night home, after slight improvement that I could call in as many times overnight if I needed to if I was awake.  (I called x3 and he was very supportive and reassuring and empathetic.  

Caroline was so compassionate and caring towards my friend, during his stay and Mary too (care assistant). Mary’s cheer and appropriate humour helped brighten up our days. 

Caroline and Mary were very fond of him and he was more like family to them, it was lovely to see how much he meant to them. Their compassion and empathy was so natural and real and I was so touched by this.  

Marion the sister was also so supportive and Craig (nurse) who wasn’t allocated to my friend's care but always had a warm smile and asked if I needed anything whenever he was passing me in the ward area - he also took the time to update me when I arrived one day re my friends well-being. 

Carrie the staff nurse also cared for him and she was so lovely and attentive too as were Sandy and Julie. There are so many angels work here and please forgive me if I have forgotten to mention a few but I am honestly totally overwhelmed by the care and compassion shown to us all during his end of life care. 

The team rapport in the ward was evident and everyone always seemed so supportive of us and each other. 

Doctor Robbie was also very compassionate and empathetic during the final hours of my friend's life. He was known to ward 2F due to numerous previous admissions and staff were very loving and caring towards him. He was treated like family and the staff on the ward and all staff were clearly moved and saddened by his passing. This love and empathy was a huge comfort to us all. 

My friend and loved ones biggest fear was dying in Hospital, however he told us on the day of his death that he wasn’t scared and he was ready. This was such a comfort to myself and his family.

I truly believe he wasn’t scared because he was surrounded by such love and had the best care and attention during his stay in ward 2F. 

Thanks just doesn’t seem enough to say. 

Such a high level of care and compassion is not always evident now due staffing pressures and work load demands. However, I am completely overwhelmed at the standard of care provided, during this heart-breaking time. I had the best week under the worst circumstances ever. This care and attention will stay with me forever and I will, hold all of these precious memories, close to my heart.

This has helped so much in my grieving process as I know that my friend was so loved and cared for and he has had the most beautiful passing. He was very comfortable and at ease.

Thank you each and everyone at ward 2F. I will remember you forever.